In response to opposition allegations of budgetary neglect, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has countered claims that the State was overlooked in the Union Budget. Singh addressed the concerns by stating, “It’s their petty politics. Manipur has already received no less than Rs 250 crore for hailstorms and floods, and we have effectively distributed this aid to the people.”
The Opposition claimed the Centre allocated insufficient financial support for Manipur in the recent budget. However, Singh stressed that substantial funds have been allocated and used to address the impacts of natural disasters.
The controversy intensified on July 23 when Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam hit out at the Centre over the Union Budget 2024 for allegedly ignoring Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Manipur. Dr Akoijam condemned the budget for its lack of provisions for flood relief or a rehabilitation package for IDPs, stating, “Absence thy name is Manipur —that’s what this budget says! There is no mention of flood relief or a rehabilitation package for IDPs in our State.”
While the budget included allocations for flood and irrigation issues in States like Bihar, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim, it did not address the severe flooding or the IDP crisis in Manipur.
Additionally, Assam MP Gaurav Gogoi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging a lack of understanding of the complexities and needs of the Northeastern region.
